Belgium and Portugal both have key personnel decisions to mull over ahead of tonight’s big Euro 2020 last-16 clash in Seville.
Roberto Martinez gave Kevin de Bruyne, Eden Hazard and Axel Witsel their first starts of the tournament in Belgium’s final group game against Finland as the trio recover from injuries, and the former Everton boss must now decide which of them are ready to feature again.
Fernando Santos, meanwhile, made the bold call to drop Bruno Fernandes for Portugal’s crucial meeting with France on the final day of the group stage, bolstering his midfield by introducing Renato Sanches and the Lille man rewarded his manager’s faith with an excellent performance.
Here is how we predict the two sides will shape up in Seville tonight...
Belgium vs Portugal starting lineups
Belgium XI: Courtois, Alderweireld, Vermaelen, Vertonghen, Meunier, Tielemans, Witsel, Thorgan Hazard, De Bruyne, Eden Hazard, Lukaku.
Portugal XI: Rui Patricio, Dalot, Pepe, Dias, Guerreiro, Sanches, Joao Palhinha, Joao Moutinho, Bernardo Silva, Ronaldo, Jota.
Squads
Belgium
Goalkeepers: Thibaut Courtois, Simon Mignolet, Matz Sels
Defenders: Jan Vertonghen, Toby Alderweireld, Thomas Vermaelen, Thomas Meunier, Jason Denayer, Dedryck Boyata, Leander Dendoncker, Timothy Castagne*
Midfielders: Axel Witsel, Kevin De Bruyne, Nacer Chadli, Yannick Carrasco, Youri Tielemans, Thorgan Hazard, Dennis Praet, Hans Vanaken
Forwards: Eden Hazard, Dries Mertens, Romelu Lukaku, Christian Benteke, Michy Batshuayi, Jeremy Doku, Leandro Trossard
*Injured, out of Euros.
Portugal
Goalkeepers: Anthony Lopes, Rui Patrício, Rui Silva
Defenders: Diogo Dalot*, Nelson Semedo, Jose Fonte, Pepe, Ruben Dias, Nuno Mendes, Raphael Guerreiro
Midfielders: Danilo Pereira, Joao Palhinha, Ruben Neves, Bruno Fernandes, Joao Moutinho, Renato Sanches, Sergio Oliveira, William Carvalho
Forwards: Pedro Goncalves, Andre Silva, Bernardo Silva, Cristiano Ronaldo, Diogo Jota, Goncalo Guedes, Joao Felix, Rafa Silva
*Replaces Joao Cancelo, who tested positive for Covid
Suspension list
Thorgan Hazard (Belgium) and Ruben Dias (Portugal) will miss the next match if they are booked in Seville tonight.
